Bajaj Auto is rolling out an upgraded version of its most wallet-friendly Chetak electric scooter this month, and honestly, it’s about time the entry-level variant got some love.
Finally, The Budget Chetak Gets Some TLC
Look, we’ve all been there. The current Chetak 2903 does the job at just under ₹1 lakh, but next to those sleek 35 Series models? It felt like the younger sibling who got hand-me-downs while the older kids got all the cool stuff.
Rakesh Sharma from Bajaj spilled the tea during their recent earnings call. “With the introduction of the third 35 Series variant, the 3503, at the end of May 2025, and an upgraded entry-level 2903 in June, the Chetak portfolio will become more robust,” he mentioned. Translation: they’re finally giving the budget option the attention it deserves.
And the timing? Pretty perfect, actually. Bajaj’s been crushing it lately – their Chetak even became India’s best-selling electric two-wheeler in Q4. Not bad for a company that was fashionably late to the EV party.
What’s Actually Changing Here?
Here’s where it gets juicy. The updated 2903 is basically getting a hand-me-down from its richer cousins – but in a good way. It’s expected to ride on the same platform as the newer 35 Series scooters.
The big win? Storage space that actually makes sense. Right now, the 2903 gives you a measly 21 litres under the seat. That’s barely enough for a helmet and maybe some groceries if you play Tetris really well. The new version could bump that up to 35 litres – same as the pricier variants. Finally, you can fit a proper laptop bag or a week’s worth of shopping without doing mental gymnastics.
Range should get better too, though Bajaj’s keeping those numbers close to their chest for now. The current version manages 123 km on its 2.9 kWh battery, which is decent but not exactly road-trip material.
Read Also: Five Electric Scooters Launching This Year-Check Launch Timeline and Price
They’re Not Messing With the Price Tag (Thank God)
Here’s what we love – Bajaj isn’t getting greedy. At ₹99,998 (ex-showroom), the 2903 still sits comfortably below the new 3503 at ₹1.10 lakh. Sharma hinted they’ll keep it competitive since this is their bread-and-butter model for first-time EV buyers.
Smart move, really. You’ve got your basic electric mobility with the 2903, a step-up option with the 3503, and the full bells-and-whistles experience with the premium variants. Something for everyone without the pricing getting all wonky.
Bajaj’s Playing the Long Game
This isn’t just about one scooter update. Bajaj’s clearly serious about owning the electric space. They’ve got 310 Chetak Experience Centres now with over 3,000 sales points across the country. That’s some serious retail firepower.
Plus, they’re planning even more variants for next year to cover every possible niche. Basically, if you want an electric scooter in India, Bajaj wants to make sure they’ve got exactly what you need.
One Small Speed Bump Ahead
There’s a tiny wrinkle in the plan. Bajaj’s worried about supply chain issues with rare earth magnets after July. China’s been playing hardball with exports of stuff like neodymium and dysprosium – the fancy materials that make EV motors work. Classic geopolitics messing with our ride plans.
But for this June launch? Should be smooth sailing. And honestly, with Ola, TVS, and Ather breathing down their necks, Bajaj needs every advantage they can get.
This updated 2903 might just hit that sweet spot – all the modern bits without making your wallet cry. Sometimes the best upgrades are the ones that don’t overthink things.